ETAPE DU TOUR PACKAGE
Post date: Nov 16, 2010 6:50:18 PM
Trailseekers are offering the following package to this years Etape.Sean O Leary from trailseekers can be contacted @soleary@trail-seekers.com
Trail Seekers Etape du Tour packages 2011
For 2011 the organisers of the Etape du Tour (A.S.O.) have decided to offer us two Etape du Tours. Both will be difficult rides one due to the amount of climbing and the other due to its length but also due to the climbs.
However as is no surprise almost everyone wants to do the first one which finishes with the famous climb up Alp D’Huez. The interest has been phenomenal .
As someone who has ridden several etape du tours including the 2006 edition which also finished on Alp D’Huez I can appreciate why there is so much interest in this one..
However it’s a long way to travel from Ireland for one ride.
Many foreign companies concentrate on a “ship them in , ship them out policy” with many riders just getting to ride the etape and nothing else. Its no wonder so many fail to finish each etape with this approach.
In 2010 most of our group managed to do two pre etape rides , one very long, taking in the Cols du Soular and Aubisque, the Marie Blance ,finishing with the Col du Soular again (from race side) and second up the Tourmalet . I believe this along with our preparation weekend in Kenmare and the amazing attitude of all our guys was the reason we had no one abandon.
Its was a pleasure for me riding the event with our group but equally pleasureable seeing all cross the finish line. I could go on and on about those memories but will mention two as examples. One is seeing Sean Franklin at the finish line , a man who has conquered many gaols in his life,…. The look on his face as if this was his biggest conquest. The second , seeing Lynn Temple cross the line with his daughter Charolette . When you think that they were split up for most of the day and still managed to finish side by side. Lynn had though he had completed his only etape in 2009 with his other daughter Rosie and son Patrick but had to do it all over again so as not to miss such a wonderful and unique opportunity of riding the most prestigious sportive with your children. One of my own daughter’s Tara was so inspired that she said that some day she would hope to do the same. What a nice thought for me to have for the next ten years.
Those memories of meeting , cycling with and witnessing such great personal achievements will always be with me and others in our group. Thank You guys and girls.
So its with the same expectations of great individual performances and new friendships that I now present our 2011 package.
For the moment we are going to offer just a package(s) to the stage from Modane to Alp D’Huez.
For the 2011 etape du tour we will plan to be based be based in the Village of Villar d’Arene. We plan to stay at the hotel Faranchin . I say plan as this will not be finalised until I visit in early December. It is booked but as always I like to fly out , check everything out. Alternative accommodations will also be visited and best option chosen but for moment Le Faranchin looks our best option.
We decided on this location for a number of reasons
(1) We would like to be on the etape course so that in days leading up to it all could get an opportunity to ride the course. Villar d’Arene is at 1650m and is 7km down from top of col du Laturet , 15km from top of Galibier and 32 km from Bourg D’Oisans (at base of Alp D’Huez. This position is strategic when you see itinerary below. It is also reasonably convenient for out transfers to the sign on on sun 10th , the early morning transfer to start on 11th and our return from the finish on 11th..
You will also get to pass right by your hotel on race day. Can be useful if one wants to make up energy drinks etc.
(2)The fact that the region around which we have decided to base ourselves is so beautiful and that so many famous climbs. again see itinerary below. It’s the only place to be. We will be making sure that on rides one gets to see some places (on day 1 ride in particular) that few that bike through this region get to see. To do this you need a convenient base.
On one of the rides below you have two options a very long and a shorter one but on both you get an opportunity to ride the Col du Galibier and this is both important and beneficial.
Based on past experience I have found that those who do a few rides in France before the etape do better on the day than those who don’t.
As well as the obvious benefits of acclimatising getting to take in long descents is also beneficial and one should notice an improvement in skill and confidence over these days.
Although the road surface in general is much better than in Ireland one need to get a “feel “ for it.
So to the itinerary
Main Package:
From Wed 6th July to wed 13th July
This is an eight day package (7 nights)
One can go for less or more but in this case one will need to make their own way to our hotel.
At present the only direct flight that is available is Dublin Lyon.
We will make a pick up by coach from Lyon st Euxpery airport on the afternoon of wed 6th July
Note as Aerlingus will only accept 6 bike per flight we will be offering complimentary bike transfer from Ireland (see below). If you do wish to bring you bike on the plane early booking is advisable and you NEED TO BOOK YOUR BIKE and get confirmation at time of making your flight booking.
Accommodation will be on a half board basis i.e dinner ,+ bed and breakfast.
We plan to stay at the hotel Faranchin in the village of Villar d’Arene.
As always I will visit in early December. If not happy with it we will change .
7th july. After final assembly of bikes (help available ) we will set out on the first of our adventures into this most amazing region. Having been there three times myself I look forward to sharing my knowledge of this region with you all.
We will ride down hill (great start) unlike first ride in our fabulous 2010 trip (recall , the Soular/Aubisque) , through a beautiful gorge and after 32km arrive in Bourg d’Oisins at the foot of Alp d’huez. We will stop here for coffee .
Then , you will get an opportunity to do a timed ride up Alp d’Huez. I suggest if you haven’t done it before not to get carried away at the start.
You can leave you attempt at beating Pantani’s record (37’ 35”) until mon 11th.when no doubt you will be all fired up.
We regroup at the top, have lunch and then make our way back down but so as not to miss the beautiful scenery we will not go all the way to bottom but take a left and wind our way (approx 40km ) back to a point on the Bourg d’Oisans /Brianson road 10km from our hotel finally returning to our hotel in the evening after about 100km ride.
8th july. There are some who think this years etape is a little on the short side. While it may be its not going to be an easy ride..
I have two proposals for this day.
(1) we set of at 8.30 sharp from our hotel and ride to Bourg d’Oisans then we do the col du Glandon (some spectacular scenery), col du croix de Fer, followed by a most beautiful desent to the valley and on to the col de Telegraph, followed by the Galibier.
After decending from the Galibier to top of the Lauteret its just 7km down hill to our hotel.
This ride is a long one (150km) but you will have van support and we can offer anyone a complimentary lift if the get tierd. You will not need to carry anything and van will be well stocked with food and drinks.
For those that do not wish to do this ride one can still consider doing the Galibier from hotel 15km.to top. If one wished one could desend the other side and meet the main group coming up from other side, later in the day. . This, 150km ride will be done at leisurely pace with many regroupings. I propose that those falling behind be brought forward on each climb. Also having seen how people ride on previous day we will advise anyone who is not able , in our opinion, not to ride this long ride.
When we arrive back at our hotel that evening I reckon we will have a great appetite and have some fine memories of a great days biking. The scenery alone is spectacular all day long.
9th july today we will do a short ride to the ski resort of Les Deux alps (32km each way).
Suggest we have lunch there ,relax a little talk more about the joy we had on previous two days and then head back to our hotel.
On 10th July. We now get to see the beauty of the Galibier again but this time from a coach as we make the trip to the sign on village in Modane (1.5hrs each way)
There is always a great buzz at the sign on.
On returning to our hotel we dine and get to bed early for our 4am rise.
11th race day. We make the transfer by coach to Modane with our bikes this time.
The athmosphere on the start line alone can be electric.
Its should as always be a great days biking one that you will remember for along time.
Your photo and video clips will be taken several times during the day .
The atmosphere on Alp Du Huez especially should be special as one can expect many spectators many offering to cool you with water which they offer as you often see in the tour the France. If you have a good imagination you could even feel like you were actually riding the tour as many of the spectators get into same mind as they would with the Le Tour….so why not you.
When the roads finally open again we will transfer back to our hotel for more eating and banter. Normally a noisy evening. Little signs of tiredness today.
Tue 12th this is our lie over day. You bikes will be packed for transport back to Ireland (takes three days) You will be able to collect on 14th in Dublin and Cork or organise collection at a later date…more info later.
We had over last few weeks looked at staying at other locations including Les Deux Alps.
Then since it is not on the course and will involve a difficult climb after each ride as well as making rides too long we decided not to. While we propose to visit there on 9th we are considering (to be confirmed) visiting there again , this time by coach on 12th.
While there on can consider taking the cable car to the Glacier . It actually involves two cable cars and an underground trains through the mountain. While up there one can visit the ice caves , with it many carvings in ice.
There is also an ice skating rink in Les deux alps if anyone wants to try.
One can go for a meal there and some drinks . we may not return to Villar d’Arene until late .
Wed 13th. After breakfast (not too early) we prepare for our departure back to Lyon Airport for our journey back to Ireland .
Like every other year no doubt with some great memories and a longing to do it all again another year.
Cost:
The cost of this 8day trip is €1130 per person sharing.
Single supplement €210
Guaranteed race entry add extra €200 .
Note: this is what it cost us to secure a guaranteed entry for you.
As always we expect a few will not be able to make the full trip. What a pity as one misses so much fun.
In such case deduct €80 for each night less.
Note in these cases you will need to make your own way to our hotel.
What is included in the price.
8day bike trip with 7 nights accommodation.
b/b on 7 nights .
six dinners.
Fully supported pre etape bike rides on 7th , 8th, 9th
One guide in van , second on the road biking.
Transfers from /to Lyons st Euxpery airport on 6th and 13th July
Transfer to/from the sign on on 10th
Transfer to start on morning of the 11th.
Transfer back from finish on 11th.
Transfer to/from les Deux Alps on 12th or alternatively extra dinner at our hotel on 12th.
Note :to be confirmed.
Complimentary bike transfer from /back to Ireland
Services of two guides and mechanic.
What is not included.
Drinks with meals
Travel insurance.
Medical insurance.
Bike insurance.
Insurance:
You must have travel insurance which covers a biking holiday in order to take part in any of our trips.
Also you will need to have a hospital services card . Speaking from personal experience this is very important. Please supply details of your insurance when paying balance.
Indemnity:
It is important to point out that we are not responsible for your decisions on what rides to do or your safety on any of the rides. To be accepted on our trip you will need to complete an indemnity form.
Doctors cert:
THE RACE organisers will also need you to produce either a current racing Licence or a certificate from your doctor saying you are in good enough health to participate in this event. I suggest that even if you have a racing licence to have the latter.
Its is important that doctors signature and stamp , incl date are legible on any cert.
This is your responsibility and you could be refused entry if all is not in order.
Bike transfer:
Bikes will be picked up in two main locations .
On sun 3rd in Cork and on mon 4th (early) in Dublin.
Our driver will then travel by ferry to France and on to our hotel in the Alps.
He will leave again on tue 12th and bikes will be delivered to Dublin and Cork on 14th July.
Cancellations and payment details
Non refundable deposit , paid on booking is E200 .
A Further non refundable €300to be paid by Jan15th
Balance to be paid by 1st may.
Cancellation policy is as follows:
Before may 1st ..deposit.
Up to 1st July deposit +50% of balance
After July 1st full amount.
Preparation Weekend in Kenmare
We plan to run this very popular preparation weekend again sometime end of April/start of May 2011. While many attend this weekend it is most important that newcomers to the etape try and make this weekend since as well as the three rides there will be talks and advice on many aspects. Its always a good social occasion . Fabulous biking, best of food and great craic.
I attribute our high finish rate to three things, this weekend, our pre etape rides and the spirit of our individual riders.
I look forward to meeting you there if not before.